The Patriots re-signed Cam Newton today, giving him a one-year deal reportedly worth in the neighborhood of $14 million. He'll be their starter in 2021, with a youngster -- presumably someone with more potential than Jarrett Stidham -- the backup. This is good news for those hoping to tap into Newton's running ability, and nobody else.
It is not, for example, good news for those hoping for great rushing numbers out of the team's running backs. Last year Newton had 12 rushing scores, while four different running backs each had 1, 2 or 3 touchdowns on the ground. Around the goal line the first and second read is a Newton draw or scramble. A negative for the likes of Damien Harris and whoever else the Patriots stick in the backfield.
And while Newton put up strong passing numbers at times earlier in his career, and in a couple of early-season games for the Patriots, those performances were rare. He spent some time on the COVID list, which might have been a factor, but it's fair to wonder if Newton's shoulder will ever be the same. He suffered a season-ending injury in 2018, undergoing shoulder surgery after the season.
The results, whether because of COVID-19, Newton learning a new offense, or a bum shoulder, were ugly. New England had a bottom-3 passing offense, averaging just 195 yards per game. The team threw only 12 touchdowns. That's one of the lowest totals this century; only 22 teams in the last 21 years have thrown fewer in a season.
| TEAM PASSING, FEWEST TDS (2000-2020) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | Yards | TDs |
| 2000 | Bengals | 2219 | 6 |
| 2006 | Raiders | 2850 | 7 |
| 2012 | Kansas City | 2937 | 8 |
| 2005 | 49ers | 2190 | 8 |
| 2011 | Rams | 3258 | 9 |
| 2010 | Panthers | 2635 | 9 |
| 2007 | Titans | 3077 | 9 |
| 2004 | Bears | 2641 | 9 |
| 2003 | Raiders | 2988 | 9 |
| 2000 | Browns | 2728 | 9 |
| 2010 | Cardinals | 3264 | 10 |
| 2009 | Raiders | 2875 | 10 |
| 2015 | Rams | 2931 | 11 |
| 2012 | Cardinals | 3383 | 11 |
| 2009 | Browns | 2255 | 11 |
| 2008 | Rams | 3268 | 11 |
| 2008 | Browns | 2537 | 11 |
| 2008 | Bengals | 2677 | 11 |
| 2005 | Jets | 2989 | 11 |
| 2005 | Bears | 2201 | 11 |
| 2003 | Bills | 3069 | 11 |
| 2002 | Texans | 2636 | 11 |
| 2020 | Patriots | 3124 | 12 |
| 2020 | Giants | 3336 | 12 |
| 2014 | Browns | 3465 | 12 |
| 2011 | Jaguars | 2510 | 12 |
| 2009 | Rams | 2970 | 12 |
| 2009 | Jets | 2596 | 12 |
| 2007 | Vikings | 2938 | 12 |
| 2007 | Dolphins | 3319 | 12 |
| 2007 | Bills | 2842 | 12 |
| 2004 | Giants | 3097 | 12 |
| 2003 | Bears | 2905 | 12 |
| 2001 | Bengals | 3291 | 12 |
| 2001 | Panthers | 3098 | 12 |
| 2000 | Steelers | 2738 | 12 |
| 2000 | Bears | 3005 | 12 |
Perhaps Newton and the passing game will be better this season; it could hardly be worse. But if you have some hope for a N'Keal Harry shedding the bust label, root for him to be traded elsewhere. It's very unlikely to happen in New England. Hard to be optimistic about any of the other young pass catchers (Jakobi Meyers, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene) breaking out in this passing game, either.
Newton himself still carries some fantasy value. He's averaged at least 35 rushing yards eight times in his career, and finished last season as the 17th-ranked fantasy quarterback despite that meager passing production. Five times he's been a top-5 fantasy quarterback. Maybe, with a regular offseason and healthier shoulder, he'll push for top-10 numbers. But I think it's just as likely that player isn't there anymore.
--Andy Richardson